Domination was the name of the game on Wednesday as the Panthers blew out the Big Red by a final score of 93-49. The game was so lopsided in fact that Pitt won in almost every box score category, tying in offensive rebounds.
To sum up this game the first number you need to know is zero. In the contest Cornell did not have a single player score over double figures. The Panthers on the other hand were lead by junior forward Jamel Artis, who put 21 points, four assists, and five rebounds on 6-11 from the floor and 2-4 from three. Michael Young also did a good job of stuffing the stat sheet as he had 12 points, eight rebounds, and six assists on 6-10 from the floor. Quick note Michael Young currently leads the team in points, rebounds, and assists.
Other players who came up with solid contributions included Sterling Smith who went 3-5 from three and freshman Damon Wilson Jr. providing 10 points and four assists to the winning cause. Also, Chris Jones found his shooting stroke going 3-4 from three and finishing with 15 points.
Offensive Grade: A+
This is how you want your team to perform on offense. In the game Pitt was 33-64(51.6%) from the field, 10-21(47.6%), and 17-19(89.5%) at the line. The two numbers that jump out to me are of course three point and free throw percentage. Those two areas have plagued past Panther teams, but this one seems to be different. For the year they are shooting 37.9% from three and 74.2% at the line, if those numbers hold up that would be excellent. As well once again Pitt managed to score over 90 points for the second time in as many games, which is two more than the Panthers accomplished in all of last season combined. The shorter shot clock is having advantageous affects already for Dixon’s team and the season is just beginning.
Defensive Grade: A+
The defense looked more like its’ old self as Cornell struggled to get anything going on offense. They were 18-61(29.5%) from the field, 6-20(30%) from three, and 7-14(50%) at the line. That does not even take into account the 14 turnovers they committed. As well the high scoring tandem of Matt Morgan and Robert Hatter were nonfactors in this one. On the evening they combined to shoot 2-19 from the field, 0-4 from three, and eight total points. It is a good sign moving forward that the defense can focus on a team’s strength and have success eliminating it.
Coaching Grade: A+
Once again Dixon was able to expend his bench this time to the tune of 12 different players getting 10 minutes or more in the game. Overall when a team dominates the way they did the coach did his job to prepare them. A lot of teams hate playing games the days around a holiday, because it can be distracting. On this evening the Panthers avoided any kind of scare leaving no doubt and for that you have to credit coaching.
Burning Question?
After this game a thought came to mind, how much longer until Damon Wilson starts taking minutes from James Robinson. Once again Robinson struggled, he was unable to register a point while going 0-6 from the floor. This comes after only scoring six points against Detroit on 2-9 shooting. Wilson on the other hand has shown he can be a playmaker if used properly. I know Robinson has been a longtime starter so he has experience, but in these first three games Wilson averages more points, rebounds, and assists per game all while shooting better from both the floor and three point range, also Wilson plays eight less minutes per game. Robinson is struggling and Wilson is proving himself, so that should be something Dixon looks at moving forward.
Next on the agenda for Pitt is 3-1 Kent State on Saturday November 28th at 4